Russian biathlete Alexander Loginov produced an astonishing performance to power past ardent critic, Frenchman Martin Fourcade, and cement gold for Russia's men in the IBU World Cup men's 4 x 7.5 km relay on Sunday.
With the victory, the Russian men's team of Loginov, Dmitry Malyshko, Evgeniy Garanichev and Maxim Tsvetkov completed a unique double, after Ekaterina Yurlova-Percht and teammates Evgeniya Pavlova, Margarita Vasileva, and Larisa Kuklina had clinched relay gold on the same day in Oberhof, Germany.
It meant Russian clinched a double in the relay event for the first time in 13 years.
Russia are currently second in the International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup intermediate standings after two competitions, behind overall leaders Sweden.
Russia's Loginov said moments after the victory: "When I crossed the finish line I felt pride in the team first of all," he told Russian broadcaster Match TV.
"It is, at the very least, extremely nice to achieve such a victory today. The guys coped really well in such winds. I tried hard not to let everyone down. Thanks also to the women's team who stayed and supported us," he added.
Also on rt.com ‘He's made a comeback, show some respect’: 'King of Biathlon' Bjorndalen defends Russia’s LoginovThe relay double made it a hat-trick of golds so far for Russia, adding to Loginov's personal victory in the 10km sprint on Friday. Second place went to France, led by five-time Olympic champion Fourcade, who battled it out with Loginov for first place on the last leg.
Loginov's initial sprint triumph was mired in an anti-Russian opprobrium, not least from Fourcade, who called the victory a "disgrace" and refused to even "respect" the 26-year-old's achievement.
Also on rt.com 'I’d like to personally meet & discuss our issues': Loginov responds to Fourcade criticismFourcade took issue with Loginov's failure to apologize to peers after the Russian tested positive for doping in 2014, despite the athlete serving a two-year suspension.
Loginov was, however, supported by some members of the biathlon family, including 'Biathlon King' Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, who highlighted the need to treat Loginov "with respect" in his comeback.
Source : RT - Daily news
Loginov leads Russia past Fourcade and France to relay gold & double at IBU World Cup
Loginov leads Russia past Fourcade and France to relay gold & double at IBU World Cup
